Sponsors (25)
The bill expands no‑cost in‑network mental health and SUD care and telehealth access for pregnant and postpartum people and preserves continuity of care, but it delays implementation for two years and may raise insurer/employer costs that could be passed on to consumers, while still leaving those using out‑of‑network providers exposed to costs.
Pregnant and postpartum individuals will receive free in‑network mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) care from diagnosis through one year postpartum, reducing out‑of‑pocket financial barriers to needed treatment.
People who begin pregnancy‑related or mental health/SUD treatment will keep access to continuing care after changing plans because continuity‑of‑care protections are extended.
Pregnant and postpartum individuals (and others) gain clearer access to no‑cost in‑network telehealth for covered services, improving access for rural and underserved populations.
Insurers and employers will incur higher costs to cover free in‑network mental health/SUD care, which could translate into higher premiums or reduced benefits elsewhere for taxpayers and middle‑class families.
The policy's two‑year delayed effective date postpones relief, leaving pregnant and postpartum individuals who need immediate, cost‑free mental health/SUD care without the benefit for an extended period.
Coverage is limited to in‑network providers, so individuals who rely on out‑of‑network clinicians (e.g., due to provider availability or existing therapeutic relationships) may still face substantial costs.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires no cost sharing for in‑network mental health and SUD care for pregnant and postpartum individuals from pregnancy diagnosis through one year postpartum and expands continuity‑of‑care protections.
Introduced January 22, 2026 by Gwendolynne S. Moore · Last progress January 22, 2026
Prohibits any cost sharing (copays, coinsurance, deductibles) for in‑network mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) services — including telehealth — for individuals from the time of pregnancy diagnosis through one year after the pregnancy ends. It also extends continuity‑of‑care protections so people already receiving treatment while pregnant may continue care through pregnancy and the postpartum year. The prohibition on cost sharing takes effect for plan years beginning two years after enactment and applies through amendments to the Public Health Service Act, ERISA, and a parallel Internal Revenue Code provision.